Posts Tagged ‘The Schwartz’

In keeping with this whole “Community of Believers” thing that seems to be happening in my woodworking life right now, I’ve come to note that woodworkers are among the funniest people on the internet. I’m not talking about some mindless physical three-stooges comedy (a good reason NOT to have a webcam in my shop, btw…) but people who can look at life and truly enjoy it. And each other.

Have you ever noticed how many woodworking terms have emerged from podcasts, blogs, and listservs? The OldTools listserv even has a glossary for “jargon” reference. I mean, of course, the list jargon, not what separates a breast drill from a post drill. An individual becomes passionate about something, whips out a term and throws it against the wall, and it sticks.

To wit: Somewhere between Marc and Matt, the term “The Schwartz” has found it’s place in woodworking nomenclature. “Galoot” and “Neanderthal” go way back as badges of honor. I see now that “Scary Sharp” has become a commonplace method. It looks like “shwag” is taking off, too (I had to look that one up. Drug culture? Really!)

This is a very small cross-sampling observed by an admitted wordsmith. It might be worth putting together a living, breathing lexicon of some of these newer terms. Throw some of your favorite terms against my wall!